Tensions flared on social media this week as Joseph Kalimbwe, a prominent Zambian political activist and author, criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure as SADC Chairperson, describing it as ineffective and dominated by rhetoric over results.
Kalimbwe tweeted:
“A new SADC Chairman in 3 weeks. In the past 12 months, SADC had no chairman. Instead, our region was fed with slogans, political rhetoric & zero action. We will be in Antananarivo to welcome a new era of Southern African leadership, a new SADC Chairman, President Rajoelina !!!”
His remarks, referencing the upcoming SADC Summit in Madagascar, where President Andry Rajoelina is expected to assume the rotating chairmanship, were met with fierce pushback from ZANU-PF supporters.
One Zimbabwean user posted in response:
“Zimbabwe is shining in Madagascar. Baba Vedu Dr @edmnangagwa is the SADC Chairman. For the past 12 months, SADC Chairmanship has been in safe hands.”
The comment also tagged Kalimbwe and activist Lynne Stactia, who had echoed criticism of Mnangagwa’s leadership.
President Mnangagwa assumed the SADC chair in August 2023 and is scheduled to hand it over this August 2025. While the role is largely ceremonial, it gives the chairperson a platform to steer regional dialogue and preside over SADC summits.
Kalimbwe’s post reflects a broader critique that under Mnangagwa, SADC failed to take bold action on key regional crises, including electoral disputes and democratic stagnation in member states
